Celebrating Urban Splendor: The 2012 Brooklyn’s Greenest Block Competition Winners

Brooklyn, a borough renowned for its vibrant communities and distinct neighborhoods, pulses with an energy that’s as diverse as its residents. Amidst the bustling streets and historic brownstones, a dedication to natural beauty and green spaces thrives. This commitment is vividly brought to life each year through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s prestigious “Greenest Block in Brooklyn” competition, an initiative that not only beautifies the urban landscape but also fosters an incredible sense of community pride and environmental stewardship.

In 2012, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) once again shone a spotlight on the outstanding efforts of residents, businesses, and community groups who transformed their corner of the city into verdant havens. The annual competition serves as a powerful catalyst for urban greening, encouraging imaginative planting, sustainable practices, and collective action. It celebrates the tireless work of those who believe that even in a dense urban environment, nature can flourish, providing aesthetic pleasure, environmental benefits, and a stronger sense of local identity.

The “Greenest Block in Brooklyn” competition is more than just a contest; it’s a testament to the power of community. Blocks are judged on a comprehensive set of criteria, including the variety and health of plantings, creative use of space, sustainable gardening practices, and perhaps most importantly, the visible involvement and spirit of the entire block. Winners demonstrate not only horticultural excellence but also a deep commitment to collaboration and mutual upliftment, transforming concrete jungles into lush, inviting spaces that benefit everyone.

Residential Excellence: Lincoln Road Takes the Crown in Prospect Lefferts Gardens

In the highly competitive residential category, one block stood out for its exceptional greenery and community spirit: Lincoln Road between Bedford and Rogers Avenues in Prospect Lefferts Gardens. This vibrant stretch of Brooklyn exemplified what it means to be truly “green,” showcasing an inspiring blend of meticulous landscaping and enthusiastic resident participation. The block was lauded for its remarkable transformation, featuring an abundance of colorful flowers, well-maintained shrubs, and beautifully adorned tree beds that collectively created a visually stunning streetscape.

Residents of Lincoln Road demonstrated a profound dedication to nurturing their environment. From carefully selected perennial blooms that offer year-round interest to thoughtfully designed container gardens gracing stoops and windows, every detail contributed to an overwhelming sense of natural abundance. This collective effort not only enhanced the beauty of their homes but also fostered a stronger communal bond, with neighbors often seen working together, sharing gardening tips, and celebrating their shared commitment to a greener Brooklyn. The Block Association’s proactive approach to organizing clean-ups and planting initiatives undoubtedly played a crucial role in their success, turning the street into a living testament to urban horticulture. Visitors could witness the pride radiating from every meticulously tended plant and brightly colored planter, making Lincoln Road a true beacon for urban greening in Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

For a glimpse into the stunning beauty that earned Lincoln Road this prestigious award, you can explore captivating photographs over at Gothamist.

Commercial Vanguards: A Tie for Top Honors in Ditmas Park and Flatbush

The competition also recognizes the vital role businesses play in contributing to the borough’s overall green aesthetic. Commercial blocks, often characterized by foot traffic and storefronts, present unique challenges and opportunities for beautification. In 2012, the judges found two commercial areas to be equally exceptional, resulting in a well-deserved tie for first place:

Cortelyou Road between Westminster Road and Argyle Road in Ditmas Park was celebrated for its harmonious integration of commerce and nature. Businesses along this bustling stretch collaborated to create an inviting and visually appealing corridor. Storefronts were adorned with attractive planters, hanging baskets overflowed with seasonal flora, and tree beds were thoughtfully landscaped, transforming the commercial district into a delightful experience for shoppers and pedestrians alike. The greening efforts on Cortelyou Road not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal but also contributed to a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, potentially boosting local commerce and strengthening community ties within the charming Victorian neighborhood of Ditmas Park.

Sharing the top commercial spot was Newkirk Plaza between Newkirk and Foster Avenues in Flatbush. This distinctive commercial hub demonstrated an outstanding commitment to greening its public spaces. Often bustling with daily activity, the plaza was revitalized through the strategic placement of large, vibrant planters, well-maintained greenery, and thoughtful landscaping that softened the urban edges. The transformation made Newkirk Plaza a more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing destination for residents and visitors, proving that even high-traffic commercial zones can become beautiful, green oases. The efforts here underscored the idea that investing in public green spaces benefits everyone, from daily commuters to local entrepreneurs.

Witness the commercial blocks’ green transformation in pictures at Ditmas Park Corner.

Spotlighting Individual Excellence: Storefronts, Tree Beds, and Window Boxes

Beyond the larger block categories, the Greenest Block competition also acknowledges individual and specialized efforts that collectively contribute to Brooklyn’s verdant charm:

Greenest Storefront: Brooklyn Hearth Realty

The award for the greenest storefront went to Brooklyn Hearth Realty at 1207 Cortelyou Road. This business exemplified how individual commercial entities can make a significant impact on their immediate surroundings. Their storefront was a testament to thoughtful design and consistent care, featuring beautifully arranged planters and a welcoming facade that beckoned passersby. Brooklyn Hearth Realty demonstrated that an attractive, green exterior not only enhances a business’s curb appeal but also contributes positively to the overall aesthetic of the street, making it a pleasant landmark within the Ditmas Park community.

Best Tree Beds: Bainbridge Street, Bed Stuy

Urban tree beds are critical for the health of city trees and for enhancing street-level aesthetics. The award for the best tree beds was bestowed upon Bainbridge Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Stuyvesant Avenue in Bed Stuy. The residents here showed exemplary dedication to cultivating these small but vital green spaces. Their tree beds were not just functional but also decorative, featuring a diverse array of resilient plants, carefully chosen to thrive in an urban environment. These beds were meticulously maintained, providing essential moisture and nutrients to the trees while also adding bursts of color and texture to the sidewalk, transforming ordinary streets into inviting promenades in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Best Window Box Display: A Tie in Park Slope and Bed Stuy

Window boxes offer a unique opportunity for vertical gardening and personal expression, brightening up building facades with cascades of blooms. The prize for the best window box display was a tie between two remarkable efforts:

• Barbara and David Arky at 487 10th Street in Park Slope showcased a masterful display of color and texture, proving that even a small space can be transformed into a vibrant work of art. Their window boxes were a testament to thoughtful plant selection and meticulous care, adding undeniable charm to their home and street.
• Diane Kosup at 716 Macon Street in Bed Stuy also earned top honors for her equally stunning window box creations. Her displays demonstrated a flair for combining different plant types and colors, creating dynamic and eye-catching arrangements that brought life and beauty to her residence and contributed significantly to the street’s overall visual appeal.

Both winners highlighted the personal dedication and horticultural skill required to create such exquisite, compact gardens, demonstrating how individual efforts contribute immensely to the collective beauty of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods.

Best Community Garden Streetscape: St. Marks Avenue Prospect Heights Community Garden

Community gardens are invaluable green assets in urban settings, providing shared spaces for cultivation, relaxation, and community building. The award for the best community garden streetscape went to the St. Marks Avenue Prospect Heights Community Garden. This garden was recognized not only for its internal beauty and productivity but also for how seamlessly it integrated with and enhanced the surrounding streetscape. Its design and maintenance demonstrated a deep understanding of urban planning and ecological principles, creating a welcoming green oasis that was accessible and visually appealing from the street. This garden served as a testament to the power of collective effort in transforming underutilized urban land into thriving green spaces that foster social connections and environmental education within Prospect Heights.

The Enduring Impact of Urban Greening in Brooklyn

The 2012 Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition, like its predecessors and successors, underscores a profound truth: even in one of the world’s most densely populated cities, nature finds a way to thrive, often with a little help from its friends. The dedication of Brooklynites to beautifying their neighborhoods through gardening, landscaping, and community action has a ripple effect that extends far beyond mere aesthetics.

Urban greening initiatives like this competition contribute significantly to environmental health by improving air quality, managing stormwater runoff, and supporting local biodiversity. They enhance public health by providing opportunities for physical activity and reducing stress. Crucially, they also strengthen social fabric, fostering neighborly connections, shared responsibilities, and an invaluable sense of collective pride. These green spaces become focal points for community life, places where residents can connect with nature and each other.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing this green spirit, offering resources, workshops, and inspiration to aspiring urban gardeners across the borough. The legacy of the Greenest Block competition is not just in the awards bestowed but in the ongoing transformation of Brooklyn’s streets into more livable, vibrant, and sustainable spaces for everyone.

Congratulations once again to all the 2012 winners and participants! Their efforts serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to cultivate beauty and environmental responsibility. To discover the complete list of winners, including the runners-up, and to learn more about this impactful initiative, visit the BBG website. And for more captivating visuals of Brooklyn’s greenest triumphs, be sure to check out pictures over at the BBG’s Flickr account.

Lincoln Road in PLG, beautifully captured by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens